Most everyone experiences an occasional nosebleed. It can be scary, but usually it’s a minor annoyance. Common nosebleed causes can include change of seasons, dryness, scratching certain medications and injuries. People on blood thinners may have worse nosebleeds than others. Most nosebleeds stop on their own or stop after a few self-care steps:

• Sit upright and lean forward — By remaining upright, you reduce the pressure in the veins of your nose. This discourages further bleeding. Leaning forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach. 
• Pinch your nose — Use your thumb and index finger to pinch both nostrils shut, even if only one side is bleeding. Breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for 5 to 10 minutes. The pinching puts pressure on the bleeding point and often stops the flow of blood. 
• Do it again, if necessary — If the bleeding doesn’t stop, repeat these steps.
• Leave it alone — After the bleeding stops, don’t pick or blow your nose. Also try not to bend down for several hours. Keep your head higher than the level of your heart.
• Know when to seek emergency care — Some nosebleeds require professional care. Seek medical attention if the bleeding is severe, lasts longer than 30 minutes or interferes with your breathing. Also have a nosebleed checked out right away if it follows an injury, such as a fall or car accident.

Talk to your healthcare team if you’re having nosebleeds more than once a week, even if you can stop them fairly easily. Determining the cause and avoiding risk factors or adjusting medications may make nosebleeds less likely.